Discussions held about development of Carbisdale Castle

Constructive discussions over the development of Carbisdale Castle were
held during a meeting on Monday evening (11 May) in Culrain.

The Castle
was built in 1907 for the Duchess of Sutherland on a hill across the Kyle of
Sutherland from Invershin, in the Scottish Highlands. It had been used for many
years as a youth hostel and is now earmarked for development as a luxury hotel.

The meeting was
chaired by Cllr Deirdre Mackay and attended by local Culrain residents, the
Forestry Commission, HIE, Stuart Black, The Highland Council’s Director of
Development and Infrastructure, Cllr George Farlow and Rob Gibson MSP.

Cllr Mackay
said, “It was a very constructive meeting, focused on solutions. The Culrain
residents set out their concerns and, with the expertise around the table, we
were able to methodically work through their issues and seek to allay those
concerns.

“We are agreed
that the development would be a very positive thing, bringing employment and
prosperity to whole area. It is also important that we work together with
developers and with the local community and other stakeholders to ensure that
the development has the full support of the community.

“The Director has subsequently spoken with the Developer and a meeting
with the Culrain residents and Developer is being arranged.”